Maker’s 46 Strawberry Mint Julep

Recipe by Jason Curtsinger

Maker’s Mark has declared April 5th – May 5th (Derby Day) Mint Julep Month, and here at the Bourbon Review we’re only too happy to celebrate. Maker’s Mark is using this month to help raise awareness for the movement to eliminate plastic straws – cause after all, the paper straw was invented expressly to sip a mint julep!

Marvin Stone patented the first paper drinking straw in 1888 after being dissatisfied with the way the reed straws of the day affected the flavor of his favorite Bourbon cocktail, the mint julep. This month, Maker’s Mark is encouraging Bourbon lovers to ditch plastic straws in support of sustainability and water conservation efforts. We’re more than happy to comply, especially when the Julep in question is this delicious Maker’s 46 Strawberry Mint Julep.

Ingredients

2oz Maker’s 46 Bourbon
1 oz Strawberry Simple Syrup*
3 Whole Strawberries
12 Leaves and one sprig Mint
Crushed Ice

Instructions

Muddle 2 strawberries and 12 leaves mint in the base of a silver julep cup. Add 2 oz Maker’s 46 and 1 oz Strawberry Simple Syrup and transfer to shaker. Fill julep cup with crushed ice, then pour shaken cocktail over top. Garnish with last strawberry and a sprig of mint, then enjoy through a paper straw.

Want to try it for yourself? Find this one at Belle’s Cocktail House in Lexington, Kentucky.

*For strawberry simple syrup, cook a pound of sliced strawberries, one cup sugar, and two cups water on a stove top till soft, then strain into pour top bottle.

Caroline Paulus
Caroline Paulus is the Senior Editor for The Bourbon Review. She lives and writes in Lexington, Kentucky. Follow her on Instagram @misswhiskeyhistorian to keep up with her latest in bourbon news - and a few old finds, too.